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‘Passionate earthlings’ need to care about planet: Bondar

As a life form that creates things, citizens of the country and asearthlings, people have an ethical responsibility to do good for theearth, Canada’s first female astronaut and environmentalist toldOttawans yesterday.

As a life form that creates things, citizens of the country and as earthlings, people have an ethical responsibility to do good for the earth, Canada’s first female astronaut and environmentalist told Ottawans yesterday.

Dr. Roberta Bondar joined Ottawa-based environmental non-profit group One Change and the United Nation’s global campaign, Seal the Deal! at the Rideau Centre to “let people in Ottawa know that they are a part of a larger community.”

Seal the Deal! invited residents to sign a banner to voice their support in encouraging governments to achieve a fair, balanced and effective climate agreement when they meet in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference this December. The banners, which will bear signatures from around the world, will be displayed at the conference.

“Every country has a role to play in Copenhagen,” said Amy Fraenkel, director of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America.

While some changes to the planet can’t be helped, others can, said Bondar.

“If we have anything to do with it, then we ethically have to do what we can to help,” she said.

“This is not just about being Canadian,” she said. “It’s about being a passionate earthling.”